Understand
Frustration in Newton Abbot as newly completed £5m Market Hall remains shut
Overview
The opening of Newton Abbot's £5m Market Hall, funded by the government's Future High Streets Fund and completed in June, remains delayed while Teignbridge Council carries out legal due diligence regarding its future operations. Local shoppers and residents have expressed frustration over the empty building, but the council insists it wants to ensure everything is done correctly despite the complex legal frameworks slowing the process.
Key points
- Newton Abbot's new Market Hall remains closed despite construction finishing in June.
- The £5m regeneration project was funded by the government's Future High Streets Fund.
- Teignbridge Council stated the delay is due to necessary due diligence and complex legal frameworks regarding future operations.
- Shoppers have expressed frustration over the delays, with one describing the empty building as a 'white elephant'.
- Councillor David Palethorpe said he understands the public frustration but prefers to proceed slowly to get the operation right.
- Rents for the market units have not yet been decided and will be set by the operators who take on the market.